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NEA Chairman Jane Chu Visits Kentucky

In.gov

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu is visiting Kentucky today and tomorrow to learn how the arts are creating livable communities and contributing toward economic and community development in the state.

“At the NEA we know the power of the arts to transform communities and revitalize local economies,” Chu said. “I look forward to learning more about Kentucky’s rich artistic heritage while also seeing firsthand how organizations are integrating the arts into their efforts to strengthen their communities.”

The chairman’s visit will include a stop in Lexington on Monday, where she will meet with local NEA and Kentucky Arts Council grant recipients and visit the North Limestone Corridor, an NEA-supported project to promote the development of a cultural plan and public art for that area of Lexington.

On Tuesday, Chu will visit Whitesburg, which is part of a “Promise Zone” designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She will participate in a roundtable discussion with stakeholders representing organizations which have received Our Town and ArtPlace America creative place-making funding from the NEA.

Funded projects include a way-finding project to connect visitors and residents with cultural designations throughout Berea; the “It’s Good to Be Young in the Mountains” conference in Cumberland, which focuses on emerging artists in southeast Kentucky; and the River Arts Greenway project in Hazard.

Chu will also tour Appalshop and learn more about the NEA-funded Appalachian Media Institute and traditional music program at WMMT FM radio.

“Chairman Chu is the first NEA chair to visit eastern Kentucky in more than 20 years, and we are ecstatic to host her and showcase the wonderful things that are happening in the arts in Kentucky,” said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. “We look forward to participating in engaging discussions about the many exciting projects in our state and how they have benefited from NEA support over the years.”

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, fosters environments for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

(story provided by Kentucky Arts Council)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
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